I have an website where I sell hats. At least once in every two weeks or so, I get an email from someone stating that they have not received their hats. I ask them for the order number and they state that they don't have it. After several emails back and forth, they stop responding when I ask for proof of payment. It's clear that these losers want something for free. During the course of interaction some threaten on legal action, some claim that they will spread bad words about the store while some sound sympathatic and they tell that their kids are crying and waiting for the hats.

As such, there are many ways to track the order such as the order number, email address, physical address, name of the recepient, date, item details etc. It's obvious when none of these details match, the person is lying. I also tell them that they must have purchased from some other store and also to recheck their card/account to verify the payment deduction. But, as you guys may know scammers are not easy to let go. When asked for exact details, they mainly just run around the bush trying to evade the question. The problem is that this is a waste of time for me to interact with such losers.

Now, the only solution over here is to ask for proof of payment on the second or third reply but sometimes customers are genuine and asking them for proof of payment is a bit of turn off accoring to me. I generally use it as the final resort. So, I was wondering how you guys deal with such losers who want to rob you off your items without paying a dime?

Thanks for reading.

Send them all free hats that say "LOSER" real big on them.

But in all seriousness, this is to be expected in almost any market. Your protection is the proof of purchase and tracking numbers, if they cannot provide a legit case then they are not entitled to anything. You always risk getting bad reviews but if your business provides consistency and honesty the true colors will eventually shine through. Don't let it get to you on a personal level and always try to be professional when dealing with the freeloading idiots. In the end being the bigger man pays off.

ask for their shipping information and tell them they can track it via the shipping companies site as easy as that and about spreading bad words , why would you care to deeply? there always gonna be trolls around

Think of how many transactions you have with customers throughout the life of your business. Its a numbers game. If you sell anything long enough and you will come across wannabe scammers. Its part of all business.

Dont let the negative reviews slow you down. Stay consistent and you will come out on top in the end.

Yeah, the above comments are right on.

I wanted to add that you should be asking for all relevant info, order #, payment method/transaction #, etc. in the very first email back to them to save yourself some time.

Your over thinking - your 1st reponse should be:

"please provide the transaction number, email address and date or purchase so we can check your order"

If getting bullshit back

"As stated, please provide the transaction number, email address and date or purchase so we can check your order, we can not do anything else without this information"

If more nonsenes replies, guess what?

"As stated, please provide the transaction number, email address and date or purchase so we can check your order, we can not do anything else without this information"